James R | On 28, Jun 2021

BBC One will be playing the Weakest Link once more and it’s got a new host in the shape of Romesh Ranganathan.

Romesh is no stranger to the BBC, having starred in King Gary, appeared in Staged and hosted The Ranganation and The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan, as well as serve as a panellist on Frankie Boyle’s New World Order. Now, he’s stepping into the shoes of Anne Robinson for the return of the quick-fire general knowledge quiz, which will air in a primetime slot with celebrity contestants.

The 12-episode series will see a group of stars answer questions in turn before only two remain and play head-to-head to determine the winner. Ranganathan will take the reins, seeing the celebrities do all they can to try and avoid elimination and emerge victorious, all in aid of their selected charities.

Since making its debut in 2000, Weakest Link went on to become one of the BBC’s most successful international franchises, with versions of the show airing in over 100 countries across the globe. The UK version last aired in 2017, with a special charity episode in aid of Children In Need.

Ranganathan says: “It’s an honour to be asked to bring what is basically a TV institution back to our screens. Anne was an amazing host and to step into her shoes is an anxiety inducing privilege. I’m hoping we’ve found a way to make both the fans of the show happy as well as bringing a new audience to it. If not, accept this as my apology.”

Suzy Lamb, Managing Director, Entertainment & Music, BBC Studios Productions, says: “It’s hugely exciting to be bringing back one of the world’s most successful quiz shows to BBC One. Anne was a brilliant host for many years and with Romesh taking the reins it’s going to be incredibly funny and as fiery as ever. The team can’t wait to get started.”

The new series will be filmed in Glasgow, with broadcast details and contestants announced in the near future.

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